I hired chef Mark weeks in advance of a very special dinner party for 9, knowing that my work…read moreschedule that week would not allow me to plan, shop and cook. It was wonderful to not have to worry about the meal details leading up to our big evening, and the chosen menu was not complicated, and at the $85/pp price point, I expected something elevated, which is what I would have served for my special friends. Our chosen menu was charcuterie board, bruschetta, caesar salad, sauteed scallops with risotto and asparagus, and dark chocolate mousse for dessert. During a phone call a week in advance, I instructed Mark that my guests would be arriving at 6, with dinner served at around 7, and that I wanted the dinners plated. I also requested that dessert be dark chocolate mousse, to which he responded "you got it". He said that he would arrive at 5, and depart right after dinner was served.
Mark arrived promptly at 5 as we had agreed. I provided platters for the appetizers, and Mark's assistant then put out pre sliced cheese slices and deli meats, the kind you would purchase at Sam's club. Cheese slices, salami type meats and crackers. Not my idea of a charcuterie platter. His home mode bruschetta of olives and sun dried tomatoes served on crostini was delicious and a big hit.
Mark asked me if dinner would be served buffet style or family style. I reminded him that I wanted the dinners plated.The caesar salad was made with bagged chopped romaine, store bought croutons and too much bottled dressing; Mark added shaved parmesan to jazz it up. After plating, the salad dishes were put on the table, off to the side. I moved them to the center of each place setting, indicating that we would have salad first, ahead of the entree. At around about 6:30PM, Mark told me that the entrees were ready. I reminded him that we would be sitting down at 7. He then asked if I wanted him to hang around until then. That would be correct.
Risotto was good, the roasted asparagus was perfectly cooked, but the scallops were not at all what I had envisioned - 5 scallops, the size of nickels, some as big as quarters, were served to each guest. The mousse was good, and freshly made on site, but definitely not dark chocolate.
My guests did not leave hungry, much good wine was consumed, and the conversation flowed. But it was not the elevated dining experience that I expected, and that I typically serve to my friends who themselves are stellar cooks.
Reading the other glowing reviews, I wonder if Mark was having an off night, especially in view of the several miscommunications regarding serving style and timing. I nonetheless tipped generously as I appreciate the time and labor involved. I just wish it was all better.